California Interfaith Power & Light

Climate Equity Event at Grace Cathedral

2008-05-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

Want to help fight climate change AND poverty? Then join the Climate Equity Campaign on June 6th at the Grace Cathedral for a special event with two international climate justice activists. You'll learn about the real effects of climate change on communities around the world and the small steps you can take to make a big difference.

Guest speakers Nnimmo Bassey of Friends of the Earth International/Nigeria and Mina Susana Setra of the Indigenous Peoples' Alliance of the Archipelago in Indonesia will inform listeners of the effects of climate change on their own communities as well as efforts to develop local and global solutions. Their combined experience includes decades of groundbreaking social justice work, such as documenting environmental damage caused by the oil companies in Nigeria and ongoing corporate collusion with the Nigerian military, establishing Community Resource Centers in areas of oil company activity, combatting the effects of Oil Palm Plantations in Indonesia and helping those imprisoned for protecting their land, and defending indigenous rights. Come hear what they have to say and leave with an understanding of how you can help ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable communities will have access to the financial and technological resources needed to adapt to climate change.

WHEN: Friday, June 6th, 5-7pm
WHERE: Grace Cathedral, Wilsey Conference Room
1100 California St., San Francisco
For more info, contact Samantha@priceofoil.org

This event is co-sponsored by the Grace Cathedral Stewardship of Creation Committee, the Diocese of California Commission for the Environment, and California Interfaith Power and Light

The Climate Equity Campaign is a coalition of groups including ActionAid, Center for American Progress, Friends of the Earth, Jubilee USA, Oil Change International, Oxfam America, and US Climate Action Network. For more info on the campaign, visit www.climateequitycampaign.org

Ten Commandments to Save the Planet: Bolivian President Evo Morales Addresses Global Warming at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

2008-04-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

President Evo Morales told the United Nations that in order to save the planet, we must eradicate the capitalist model, and the North must pay its ecological debt. This was the first of Ten Commandments presented by the leader during the inauguration of the VII Indigenous Forum of the United Nations during a long speech that received high acclaim by those who attended the annual encounter.

Morales Ayma proposed ten commandments to save the world, life and humanity that require: respect for the earth, renouncing war, bilateral relations without imposition, clean energy and a rejection of bio-fuels, access to basic services, prioritizing local production, promotion of cultural diversity and living well through communitarian socialism in harmony with Mother Earth.

The President affirmed that there are two paths for humanity, life and planet earth; either we recover a way of living that is in harmony with Mother Earth and life, or we continue on the path of capitalism and death. Morales insisted that the only way to save the world is to end the way of thinking which foments individualistic egotism, and the thirst for profit.

"The enormous effects of climate change are not a product of human beings in general, rather the result of the existing capitalist system that is inhuman and predicated on unlimited 'industrial development'. For this reason I feel that it is important to stop the exploitation of human beings, and end the plunder of natural resources", said the head of state. "If we want to save the planet, we have to eradicate the capitalist model and the North must pay its ecological debt rather than the countries of the Global South and rest of the world paying external debts."

The second commandment, Morales explained is the concept of denouncing war, which only generates profit for the imperial powers, transnational corporations and a small group of families, but not the people. The millions and millions of dollars which are currently designated for war should be invested in the earth, which has been wounded, mistreated and overexploited.

Third - Relationships of co-existence rather than submission of one country to another must be achieved, in a world without imperialism or colonialism. Bi-lateral and multi-lateral relations are important, because we are a culture of dialogue and social co-existence, but these relations must not be based on the submission of one country to another.

Fourth - Water is a human right of all people living on the planet. It has been said that you can live without electricity, but not without water. Water is life. There should be no policies that permit the privatization of water. President Morales proposed an international convention on water to protect water sources as a human right, and to prevent privatization.

Fifth - Clean, environmentally friendly energies must be developed and we must stop wasting energy. In 100 years we will finish off fossil fuel deposits that took millions of years to create. "Avoid promoting bio-fuels. It is impossible to understand how some presidents and development models are setting aside lands to run luxury automobiles and not to produce food for people.

Morales proposed promoting debate among governments and creating conscience so that land benefits human beings rather than being used to produce fuel. He referred to pronouncements of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and expressed that for the first time, he is in agreement with both of those institutions on this issue.

Six - Respect Mother Earth. No expert or specialist can debate with Indigenous leaders on the issue of respect for Mother Earth. We should seek ways for the Indigenous movement to influence other social sectors, urban and rural, so that everyone understands that the earth is our mother.

Seven - Basic services including water, electricity, education, health care, communication and transportation should be considered a human right, and should be publicly owned services rather than private businesses.

Eight - Consume only what is necessary; prioritize what we produce and consume locally. Consumerism, extravagance and luxury must end. It is inconceivable that some families pursue luxury while millions and millions don't even have the possibility of 'living well'. He noted that while millions of people die of hunger each year, in other parts of the world millions of dollars are spent combating obesity.

Nine - Promote the diversity of cultures and economies. We are so diverse, and even though the Indigenous movement has always been excluded, we are proposing unity in diversity. A Pluri-national State, in which all are included; white, brown and black.

Ten - Live Well. The concept of 'living well' is not new. It is about recovering the way of our ancestors, to 'live well', which is not to "live better" at the cost of others. We must build a communitarian socialism in harmony with Mother Earth.

Screening of Renewal at the GTU

2008-04-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

SCREENING OF "RENEWAL" at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, on Thursday April 24, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. This film captures the breadth and vitality of America's religious-environmental movement, and shows how individuals and communities driven by their spiritual and religious convictions are being called to re-examine what it means to be human and how we live on this planet. The Reverend Sally Bingham will lead a discussion following the screening, which will take place in Easton Hall, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, 2451 Ridge Road, Berkeley. For more information, e-mail: whitneybauman@religionandecology.org

St. Stephen's Orinda: Earth Week!

2008-04-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

CELEBRATE EARTH WEEK 2008!

CARING FOR CREATION MEETING: Monday, April 14, 7:30PM, Youth Room. All are invited to help prepare St. Stephen's celebration of Earth Day on April 20. Anyone with an interest in fostering environmental awareness is invited to help prepare our exhibits for coffee hour. Contact: Dick or Louise Severy at 925-283-2950, or Barbara Bisel.
ERIC THERIAULT RECITAL - APRIL 20

Our wonderful tenor, Eric Therault, will perform in a special recital for our parish and the community. Join us for the 10am service and stay for pancake breakfast (organic and sustainably raised) while you explore our Earth Sunday displays -- then pop back upstairs for an amazing musical treat from Eric. We will have extended childcare, however children are always welcome! Eric's recital will begin at 12:15. (MORE on Eric)

ALL PARISH WORK DAY!
Mark your Calendar for an All Parish Work Day to Celebrate Earth Day 2008! Saturday, April 26th from 8:30 until Noon there will be an "Earth Day Gathering" here at St. Stephen's Church to spruce up, clean up, plant, build up and nourish our campus. If you see a project you would like to help on please contact Brenda in the Office. We hope to have people here from our Youth Program, our Garden Club and the Caring for Creation Committee to name just a few groups…as you know, the more help we have the easier the lighter the load. Our Jr. Warden, Mike Obrien plans on being here as well.. Also, if you would like to participate in the fun by making lunch for the "worker-bees" please give Mo. Jan a call in the office 254-3770 X20

Celebrate North County’s Earth Day

2008-03-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

Celebrate North County’s Earth Day

AT MISSION SAN LUIS REY

Sunday, March 30th 11 am—4pm
Care & Connect
with Mother Earth

Explore the inner Gardens of the Mission...not usually open to the public.
Learn the importance of recycling and caring for our valuable natural resources.
Participate in many interactive & educational exhibits, and a variety of crafts.
Enjoy drums, singers and dancers throughout the day!
Volunteers and Vendors are Welcome!
Maureen Sullivan, Special Events
(760) 757-3651 ext146

Visit our website: www.sanluisrey.org

Learn how you can make a personal difference in sustaining the environment at this fun-filled family event!

Earth Day Event: St. Clare's of Pleasanton

2008-03-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

Care for the World

A festival service of readings, prayers, and music focusing on creation, the environment, and our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation.

Sunday April 13, 2008
5:15 p.m.
St. Clare’s Episcopal Church
3350 Hopyard Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588

www.stclarespleasanton.org

925-462-4802

FCCB Goes Local!

2008-02-27T13:18:00.001-08:00

The Climate Action Ministry Team at First Congregational Church of Berkeley (FCCB: 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley) will be hosting a 100-mile potluck in the FCCB large assembly on Saturday March 8 at 5:30 pm. Most of our food travels hundreds if not thousands of miles before it reaches our plates. We challenge you to create a meal made with ingredients grown within 100 miles of your home. This is a challenge so don't feel bad if you can't do it. Prizes will be awarded to the best tasting dish with the most local ingredients.

Following the potluck, we will be showing the documentary film, "What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire" at 7 pm on March 8. The threat of nuclear annihilation first brought the very real thought that humans could destroy the planet. While nuclear weapons are still a very real threat, we now face planetary crisis brought to us by climate change and resource depletion.

What a Way to Go looks at the current global situation and asks the most important questions of all:
· How did we get here?
· Why do we keep destroying the planet?
· What do we truly want?
· Can we find a vision that will empower us to do what is
necessary to survive, and even thrive, in the coming decades?

Join us for this powerful film followed by a short discussion.

The Future of the Earth's Climate: Frontiers in Forecasting

2008-02-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

Bill Collins
The Future of the Earth's Climate:
Frontiers in Forecasting
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Tuesday, April 8, 7:30PM

Leading climate modeler Bill Collins joined the Earth Sciences Division in April to form a new department dedicated to atmospheric and climate science. Collins is also teaching at UC Berkeley's Department of Earth and Planetary Science. At Berkeley Lab, he heads an initiative to create a new kind of climate model that integrates cutting-edge climate science. He'll discuss how observations show that the Earth is warming at a rate unprecedented in recent history, and that human-induced changes in atmospheric chemistry are probably the main culprits. Climate models suggest that patterns of global warming will amplify over the 21st century, impacting plants, animals, and society. Improvements in the scientific foundation of climate forecasts will require better observations and understanding of the carbon and hydrological cycles.

Dr. Collins is is a senior scientist and department head at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and a Professor in residence with the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Collins is also a senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder Colorado. He received his M.S. and Ph. D. in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Chicago in 1984 and 1988, respectively. His research has focused on the interactions of solar and terrestrial radiation with the climate system and on the implications of these interactions for present and future climate. He has authored or co authored 64 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and delivered over 60 invited presentations at scientific conferences, universities, laboratories, and colloquia. He has organized five and chaired nine international meetings on subjects spanning radiation and climate. Bill served as the chair of the scientific steering committee for the Community Climate System Model project from 2003 to 2005. He is currently a lead author and expert reviewer of the Fourth Assessment Report on the science of climate change commissioned by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, for which his team was awarded the Nobel Prize.

Location: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephen's Drive, Orinda (Hwy 24, exit St. Stephens Drive). Contact: Barbara Bisel, Commission for the Environment, Diocese of California, 925-377-5953, bsmithbisel@cs.com.

Lester Brown at UU Riverside

2008-01-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, Feb 5, 2008 the Universalist Unitarian Church of Riverside and the University of California, Riverside are hosting a talk by Lester Brown, Founder of Earth Policy Institute. The event will be held at the First Congregational Church located at the corner of Mission Inn Ave and Lemon Street in downtown Riverside at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Brown will be speaking on the major issues of sustainability raised in his just released book, Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing To Save Civilization. His talk will be followed by time for some audience questions and an opportunity to purchase his book at the book-signing table.

There will be no admission charge and seating is on a first come basis. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. Donations to cover costs and support other such public service programs will be appreciated. We expect a large crowd.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call 951-682-1040.

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of PG&E Corporation To Speak at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church

2008-01-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

Peter Darbee, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of PG&E Corporation will speak on Climate Change: The Time is Now at the First Friday Forum (FFF) on February 2 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Refreshments will be served at 1:00 p.m.

"We believe that the challenge of global warming is among the greatest threats mankind has ever faced," explains Darbee. "We’ve thrown our company’s weight behind state laws designed to fight climate change."

Darbee is also active on the national level and is a frequent visitor to Capitol Hill where he pushes for a nationwide system to limit the greenhouse gas emissions blamed for heating the planet.

"The United States is the world’s largest energy user and the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. It is also has the world’s wealthiest and most innovative economy. No other country bears a greater capacity to lead the global response on climate change," Darbee states.

Darbee comes with impressive credentials. He joined PG&E in 1999 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that he held high ranking positions at Advanced Fibre Corporation, Inc., Pacific Bell and Goldman Sachs, where he was Vice President and co-head of the company’s energy and telecommunications group.

A graduate of Dartmouth College, with an MBA from their Amos Tuck School of Business, Darbee also completed the Nuclear Reactor Technology Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"With climate change as one of the top issues in current public policy debates, the February 2 First Friday Forum offers a unique opportunity to learn and to have questions answered," says Caroline Giers, chair of the FFF committee. She also announces that Tom Vacar, Consumer Editor of KTVU/Fox2, will speak at the FFF, March 7 on Consumer Rights from Energy Prices to ID Theft.

For further information contact the church at (925) 283-8722.

An IPL nun blogs from Bali: Final thoughts

2007-12-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

Friday:

From the Climate Action Network we learned that last night, Thursday here in Bali," the US made a last ditch attempt to block progress on the Bali roadmap by submitting a proposal to ditch the Kyoto Protocol and replace it with a non-binding bottom up, voluntary framework. This outrageous behaviour was met with stunned silence by the delegates.'" The Bush administration, it would seem, has once again totally abandoned what moral and legal obligations it may have.

In a hopeful move, óne by one, EU ministers are in line to boycott the MEM (a forum for major emitters organized by the Bush administration). The German Environment Minister, stated that "if Bali did not culminate in substantial progress, then the EU would boycott the Hawaii MEM in January, 2008. The world is asking for quantified emission reduction targets....which the US opposes.

We have no idea what is currently taking place behind closed doors...together we must send all good energy and prayers that hearts may be moved..and indeed substantial, critical issues addressed in this convention. We must move forward as ONE EARTH COMMUNITY.

______________

Saturday:

This is Saturday, the 15th here in Bali. Negotiations continued through the night into early morning. There will be a plenary this morning to hopefully make the final decisions. It appears there are two main issues to agree on:

-Mitigation levels for developing countries. These are conditions for adataptation funds

-Whether or not the specific targets for emission level reductions are included.

One member of the US negotiating delegation has been reported to say: (quote is not exact) "we know that the EU is doing what they can to reduce CO2 emissions...and we in the US are very dedicated!"

We shall see what develops. I leave for the airport in minutes...and will stay in touch when I return to Oregon.

In the meantime...let us continue in our efforts towards creating a movement among the faith communities...a movement towards a more stable, just, compassionate EARTH Community.

Sincerely, with hope

Sr. Pat Nagle

An IPL Nun Blogs From Bali: Al Gore Speaks!

2007-12-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

Hello to all,

Greetings from Bali on this, the final day of the 2007 UNFCCC.

We are all waiting to see what the final rush in deliberations will produce.

Last evening, Al Gore spoke to a more than capacity crowd in the Plenary Hall. He did not hold back and strongly criticized the US Government for their lack of cooperation: "My own country is responsible for obstructing the process here in Bali." Stating that we are at a time of great need, he said, "you need to act with certainty. . .and move forward in spite of the obstacle."

He suggested that the framers of the final papers leave a blank space in the document and write around it adding a footnote explaining the space! Needless to say he received a spontaneous round of applause.

Actually, I felt that Mr. Gore spoke with such heart last night. He said over and over that the issue of climate change and our response is a moral issue, and that this requires a shift in our thinking and in our hearts.

He emphasized:

"We must remember that WE ARE ONE. We have the capacity to strip away the externals and to get to the core...we can and will rise up to meet the central crisis.'"

What is the spark that will set aflame our moral imagination and lead us in designing a new future for our common EARTH HOME?

I hope to have more to share later in the day. Until then, thank you for your commitment to a more sustainable EARTH COMMUNITY.

In solidarity,

Sr. Pat Nagle, IHM

N.B. I cannot locate right now my exact notes from a side event I attended yesterday sponsored by the IPCC and the IEA (Internattional Agency). In the report from the latter organization, strong evidence is supported on energy efficiency as a major reductor of CO2 emissions. The presenter stated that we cannot emphasize enough the importance of energy conservation measures....they DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! So, gratitude to each IPL organization and your efforts to encourage energy conservation in your communities of faith.

An IPL Nun Blogs the Bali Climate Change Convention

2007-12-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

Bali Time: Thursday, December 13

It is a remarkable experience to be here and to literally feel the energy from around the world as we come together to address our response to the defining issue of our time: climate change. Here we see efforts to address our concerns and to strengthen our bonds across international borders as we face the needs of our common EARTH HOME.

Yesterday (Wednesday) was the opening of the high-level negotiations. This means it is the time when the heads of governments arrive and speak on the issue, and work towards decisions that will move us toward a more sustainable EARTH community. Each speaker yesterday from around the world spoke of the absolute necessity of ALL countries cooperating in the decision making process. Many spoke of being motivated by our responsibility to care for creation, the most vulnerable and future generations. It was clear, without mentioning the United States directly, that each speaker was indeed saying to the United States: you need to be a cooperative party in the negotiations.

So far, I can say that the United States has taken positions far from the key essential elements of the framework: transfer of technology to developing countries to assist in adapting to climate change; and adaptation -- that is the allocation of funds for developing countries. Climate Action Network, an excellent international educational, lobbying organization says: "the US said technology needs an assessment to 'figure out what the situation is in developing countries and the US rejects 'sufficient, predictable and additional funding' to assist developing countries as they adapt to climate change. Also the US has said that this Conference is "not a sustainable development convention."

Senator John Kerry was here this week and speaks of the movement on the local levels in the US to adopt the Kyoto Protocol and also the support that is emerging from the private sector to urge the US government to set definite emission reduction target numbers (also opposed by the US). Today, Al Gore will speak.

With all the disappointment in our US government, I have great hope when I meet folks from around the world who appreciate what the "locals"are doing in the US. with their efforts and ours...from organizations like IPL, we will continue our work for a healthier, more sustainable EARTH community. This is where my hope rests..for the moment.

I am grateful to represent Interfaith Power and Light and ultimately all of you...together we are making a difference.

Sincerely,

Sister Pat Nagle, IHM

Sister Pat Nagle, IHM serves as Co-Chair of Oregon Interfaith Power and Light. She is attending the UN FRamework Convention on Climate Change in Bali, Indonesia as a member of the Delegation from the World Council of Churches.

CNN features Interfaith Power and Light president

2007-12-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

The Rev. Sally Bingham talks about how she went back to school -- at age 51 -- so that she could have the knowledge to make the connection between ecology and faith. Since then her work has spread, this year reaching a new high with 25 state Interfaith Power and Light chapters.

How Many Lightbulbs Does it Take to Change a Christian?

2007-12-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENTAL SPEAKER EVENT, Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30pm: Claire Foster and David Shreeve discuss How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change A Christian? Aiming to counter the idea that stark warnings on climate change seem too colossal for individuals to make any real difference, the booklet argues that Christians not only can have an impact by adapting their lifestyle, but actually have a moral duty to do so.

Claire Foster is national policy adviser on environmental issues for the Church of England, and David Shreeve is co-founder of The Conservation Foundation and environmental adviser to the Church of England. Also speaking will be Bishop Marc Andrus and Rev. Sally Bingham, President of California Interfaith Power and Light and The Regneration Project, and winner of the 2007 EPA Climate Change Citizen of the Year Award. The event, which is being underwritten by PG&E, includes a reception, and also presentation of the first Commission for the Environment Award for the Episcopal diocese of California. RSVPs are encouraged. Contact: Barbara Bisel, 377-5953, bsmithbisel@cs.com.

Help Interfaith Power and Light Support Robust CAFE Standards

2007-11-01T15:36:00.001-07:00

Finally, America has an Energy Bill that contains significant provisions to curb greenhouse gases. In June the Senate passed a bill requiring a significant increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for automobiles – 35 mpg by 2020. And in August the House passed an Energy Bill setting a standard that electric utilities must obtain 15 per cent of their power from clean, renewable sources—such as the wind and sun.

Despite the strong words of Rep. Markey, chair of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, the Energy Bill has not become law yet, and that's why Congress needs to hear from you.

Now, the two versions of the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007 must be reconciled and passed in both houses. Unfortunately, the auto and oil industries are lobbying hard to keep these two critical provisions out of the final legislation. Recently, CNN Money reported:

A key battle will be a proposed increase in vehicle fuel-efficiency standards. Backed by powerful Detroit automakers such as Ford Motor, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors Corp., Rep. John Dingell, D- Mich., won a crucial skirmish last month when higher fuel standards were dropped from the House energy bill. The Senate has backed tougher fuel standards, which could prevail if Dingell is outnumbered by influential lawmakers who support fuel efficiency.

Key leaders in Congress are requesting the support of the Interfaith Power and Light community in helping to sway undecided members.

Please lend your support on behalf of the IPL Network: HERE

Upcoming Events in SoCal: October-November 2007

2007-10-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

October 27th, Orange County Interfaith Coalition on the Environment's Caring for Creation Conference. www.ocice.org.

Monday October 29th, at 7:30PM, CIPL presents the Appalachian Treasures Project at Hollywood Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The Appalachian Treasures Project is an educational program about mountaintop removal, an extreme form of coal strip mining. The Appalachian Voices presentation will be followed by a discussion of local solutions to global warming. www.appvoices.org www.iLoveMountains.org

Saturday, November 10, 2007, 1 – 5 p.m.“Global Warming Made Visible” Renowned American photojournalist Gary Braasch will present on “Earth Under Fire: How Global Warming is Changing the World.” Shumei Hall,2430 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91107.

November 11-12, 2007, Interfaith Call to Justice Conference at Temple Isaiah, 10345 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. The Interfaith Call to Justice: LA 2007 is a two-day social justice training and community strategy planning conference including a panel on Faith and the Environment. http://www.call-to-justice.org/

President Evo Morales on Global Warming

2007-09-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

Polar Bears and Climate Change

2007-09-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

A short clip from our friends at the Poles.

Solar Electricity for the Developing World

2007-09-18T12:03:00.001-07:00

Technical Training: "Solar Electricity for the Developing World"
Dates: Sept. 28-30
Length: Friday night 5-7PM and Sat./Sun. 9-5PM
Location: Oakland, CA
Venue: proudly held at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights -- http://ellabakercenter.org/page.php?pageid=5
Facilitator: Green Empowerment -- http://www.greenempowerment.org/
Price: $250 for the 2.5 day training
Contact: Dexter Gauntlett or Jason Selwitz at (503) 284-5774
This course will be hands-on and cover the skills necessary to wire a solar system in the developing world. In addition, it will include information not usually discussed in other courses -- working with partner NGOs in other countries, considering cultural issues, identifying local stakeholders to operate and/or maintain the system, the logistics of procuring equipment, identifying possible productive uses (livelihood income) of the system in addition to lighting, and lessons from GE's experiences over the last 10 years.

Berkeley Friends Meeting: Follow-up Climate Change Sessions

2007-09-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

Berkeley Friends Meeting is sponsoring follow up sessions for the
spring climate change series (http://pathsoflight.us/musing/?p=255).

Karen Street will lead two follow up Q&A sessions to the spring series on climate change, plus a third session to help us clarify our responses. You can see the earlier presentations posted at http://strawberrycreek.quaker.org/links.html

Child care and hospitality are provided. Sessions are from 1 to 3 PM, 2151 Vine St. on the corner of Walnut.

The Science of Climate Change and Individual Reduction of Greenhouse
Gas Emissions-September 16 Session will focus on the science of climate change and what we can do to decrease our own greenhouse emissions. Karen will show a half hour presentation on climate change and what we can do to make a difference, followed by Q&A and discussion.

Policy and Technology Solutions to Climate Change-October 7 Karen will repeat her presentation on nuclear power. Q&A on policy and technology solutions will follow. Check out the policy/technology presentation posted at http://strawberrycreek.quaker.org/links.html, as this will not be repeated.

E-mail Biliana (biliana@stremska.com) if you have questions.

Cleaning up Eden: The Challenge of Climate Change (at First Pres. Palo Alto)

2007-09-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

This study group will learn the why’s and how’s of climate change to determine what we can do to bring about change on a personal, regional, national and denominational level.

We will examine the effects of climate change on our local area and learn about how carbon and fossil fuels affect climate. We will find out how to calculate our carbon footprint and discover ways to change habits at home and work to reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions. We will explore regional problems and solutions and learn what the church is doing and can do in the future.

This course will educate, inspire, and help people find a way to reverse the direction of climate change.

Sept 16: An Inconvenient Truth Hits Home. Will Travis, Executive Director of BCDC (SF Bay Conservation and Development Commission), will present a slideshow and speak about the probable impact of climate change on the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sept 23: Carbonomics 1A. Mathis Wackernagel, coauthor of Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing Human Impact on the Earth, will discuss the role of carbon in global warming and the concept of ecological footprint.

Sept 30: Carbonomics 1B. Jennifer Martin, director at The Center for Resource Solutions, will help us understand such concepts as carbon offsets, carbon taxes, carbon auction, and cap and trade.

Oct 14: How is the Faith Community responding to the Challenge? Audrey de Coursey, from Interfaith Power and Light, will discuss their innovative programs.

Oct 21: How will we at First Pres respond to the Challenge? Michael Clossen from Acterra and members of the Cool Planet Working Group will lead focus groups on various directions our responses might take.

The study group will take place at First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper St., Palo Alto, at 9:30 am on the above dates.
The series is sponsored by the Cool Planet Working Group of First Presbyterian Church.
All are welcome.
For further information, please contact:
Susan Chamberlain at suschamberlain@hotmail.com.

Culver-Palms UMC supports Culver City adoption of U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement

2007-08-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

On Monday, August 20, 2007, the Culver City Council will be considering the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement.
- - - - - -
The U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement has been signed by 648 mayors including 97 in California.Under the Agreement, participating cities pledge to take three actions:

1. Urge their state governments, and the federal government, to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol -- 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and

2. Urge the U.S. Congress to 1) pass the bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation, which would establish a national emission trading system and 2) set clear timetables and emissions limits; and

3. Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through actions ranging from anti-sprawl land-use policies to urban forest restoration projects to public information campaigns.

Culver-Palms United Methodist Church has issued the following statement of support for the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement:

"Culver-Palms United Methodist Church has had a vocal and practical commitment to environmental stewardship over several decades. We have been gratified to partner with the city in recycling efforts, providing space for one of the city's recycling centers and being a site for the quarterly E-Waste Round-ups sponsored by the Department of Public Works. We have also been pleased to participate in the community-wide discussion of sustainability last May. Most recently, 14 persons from our congregation participated in the 5-week Sustainable Works Green Living workshop, taking stock of how we as households and as a church use water and energy, deal with chemicals and waste, use transportation and make shopping decisions as environmentally aware consumers.

We are convinced that our fragile environment will be restored not through technological fixes, but as the result of moral commitment and visionary leadership. We applaud the modest proposals in the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement and stand ready to assist the city in following through on this commitment - (1) by keeping our own environmental house in order, (2) by being involved at the grass roots level in public information campaigns, and (3) by advocating for environmental faithfulness with state and federal legislators. I urge you to endorse this agreement."

For more information on the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement go to www.coolmayors.org.
For more information about ICLEI's Cities for Climate Protection go to http://www.iclei.org/index.php?id=1118.

Fox TV Channel Attacks the Environment

2007-08-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

Here, Robert Greenwald presents a succinct video analysis of Fox station's coordinated effort to discredit science and public policy efforts to turn back the effects of global climate change. (Example: "Al Gore on Global Warming: Fact or Fiction?") Sadly, California Interfaith Power & Light's religious response is still vital for us to unite in our common struggle against of global warming!

CIPL/The Regeneration Project now on YouTube!

2007-07-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

See the faces of CIPL at our new YouTube channel:

Click here to visit CIPL's online video wonderland!

Several of our videos spotlight the Rev. Sally Bingham, founder of CIPL’s national parent organization, The Regeneration Project. We will also be linking to interesting videos that relate to the mission of CIPL. If you find a great video that you think should be in our ‘favorites,’ drop us a line.

To see the rest of the video, order The Regeneration Project's film, Lighten Up! by clicking here.

Thanks for visiting!